MANILA, Philippines
—
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has realigned its Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap) to assist those earning less than the minimum wage among Filipinos.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian revealed the change in policy on Thursday at a press briefing held at the DSWD main office in Quezon City.
“Last year, the specific clause referred to ‘low-income’ individuals. Now, it has been refined to mean people earning less than the minimum wage… It is more targeted since, as recalled from the President’s veto statement, they mentioned below minimum wage. Hence, those eligible are citizens whose earnings fall below the set minimum,” he explained in Filipino.
He mentioned that the updated guidelines mandate publishing details about Akap recipients on the DSWD website and social media channels to boost transparency.
With the midterm elections drawing near, steps have been taken to avoid political meddling.
Applicants will not be permitted to participate in distribution events or show promotional items associated with the program.
READ:
DSWD prohibits politicians and political materials from participating in ‘Akap’ distributions.
“We will ensure that during the distribution of payments—which has become an issue, correct?—there won’t be any politicians involved. We will also see to it that their materials are not present,” Gatchalian stated in Filipino.
Almost five million nearly impoverished Filipinos received assistance from Akap within its initial year. The initiative successfully utilized 99.31 percent of its ₱26.7 billion allocation. Areas including Cagayan Valley, Davao, and Caraga saw complete absorption of their allocated funds at 100 percent.
In 2025, an allocation of ₱26 billion has been set for AKAP, aimed at assisting five million individuals earning less than minimum wage. The aid will include medical support, funeral assistance, food provisions, and monetary help via the DSWD’s Crisis Intervention Units and their branch locations.
Gatchalian stated that the guidelines were developed with contributions from NEDA and DOLE.
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DSWD reports nearly 5 million Filipinos received aid through Akap; 99% of funds utilized.
“I want to highlight that the Akap guidelines underwent extensive study and development. This wasn’t just done by us at the DSWD; we worked together with the DOLE and NEDA to shape the joint memorandum circular which served as the foundation for our implementation of Akap,” he explained in Filipino.
Sheba Barr, SANGGRALOKA.net intern